Northwest Peach Tree Borers

Peach trees may fall victum to trunk-boring insects.

One of the largest problems facing peach growers -- in the Northwest as elsewhere -- is the insect known as the peach tree borer, according to Ohio State university Department of Etymology.

Effects

Damaged bark falls from infested trees, leaving the more fragile inner tree exposed to diseases and pests. A severe infestation of peach tree borers may kill vulnerable fruit trees. Commonly affected trees include peach, apricot, plum, prune and cherry, according to Utah University Cooperative Extension.

Characteristics

Adult peach tree borers are blue-bodied moths that feed on tree bark. The wings on this inch-long moth are translucent white. The "borer" name comes from the behavior of the white caterpillar larva, which bores into the trunks of many North American fruit trees.

Prevention/Solution

Fruit tree trunks may be sprayed with insecticide designed to kill the larva. Prevention of full infestation is the ideal answer to potential borer problems. Chemicals that disrupt the insects' mating habits may be effective in preventing a full infestation.

References

• Ohio State University: Research and Reviews: Ornamental Plant and Annual Reports and Research Reviews 2000
• Utah State University Cooperative Extension: Greater Peach Tree Borer